Anxiety

Here at Behavioural Freedom, I understand that you may not immediately see the differences between anxiety and stress.

This page will tell you all about the types of anxiety disorders I treat but for an answer to the question ‘what is anxiety’, please go to the What is Stress & Anxiety page.

If you have a constant feeling of anxiety, it will eventually start to affect your everyday life socially, personally and professionally and may, if you leave it untreated, lead to more serious mental and physical health issues.

At Behavioural Freedom, I will free you from the unwanted behaviours that prohibit you from living the life you want to live. I will free you from the uncomfortable, negative and often debilitating feelings of anxiety that control you and allow you to focus on moving forward with positivity, a fresh outlook on life and the knowledge that you can do anything you put your mind to.

You will feel calmer, more in control of your life and more confident.

‘Anxiety disorders’ is a collective term for the range of issues I treat. It’s important to know that there are no ‘off the shelf’ packages. Each client has specific and unique issues and your sessions are tailored around YOU and you only.

If you suffer from anxiety in any of its forms, including but not limited to the issues listed here, PLEASE contact me today. It could very well be the most important call you make this year.

Phobias

A phobia is an anxiety disorder where you have a deep-rooted, irrational fear of something that generally speaking poses little or no threat to you, such as –

The list of phobias stretches into the hundreds but whatever is stopping you from living your life to the full, I can help you.

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is far more common than we might think and most of us have suffered from social anxiety in one form or another during our lives. It manifests itself as a fear of rejection or being judged or embarrassed in front of other people. It leads to avoidance behaviour and can have a disruptive, negative effect on how you live your life, including but not exclusively –

Meeting new people

Giving presentations

Speaking to authority figures

Shopping

Eating out

Rejection

General Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Put simply, GAD is essentially worrying about worrying. If you feel anxious about a whole range of issues rather than a specific issue or event, the likely diagnosis is GAD. For most people, their anxiety is far greater than the situation warrants and it comes with physical symptoms including trouble sleeping and the associated fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, nausea and shortness of breath.

Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden feeling of intense fear, apprehension and anxiety whereby the individual often feels like they are having heart attack-type symptoms. It’s important to note here that while panic attacks can be both frightening and disruptive to everyday life, they are not dangerous and with treatment, I can free you from their shackles.

How I Treat Anxiety

At Behavioural Freedom, I use a skills-based model for treating anxiety. During our sessions, I will teach you relaxation techniques and helpful ways in which you can fundamentally and positively change the way you behave, think and act. It’s also important to note here that you can’t be stressed or suffer from anxiety when you are in a relaxed state. The skills you’ll learn during your time with me will be vital to both your on-going treatment and perhaps more so as you leave my care.

A combination of Applied Relaxation and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is considered by the British Medical Journal to be one of the most effective therapies to alleviate anxiety and put you on a path to having a positive mind-set and being able to live life to the fullest, free of worries. By combining both and adding in the element of hypnosis, I believe this is the most effective, pragmatic and relevant approach to the treatment of anxiety.

Please contact me today to start the journey back to behavioural freedom.

“I was initially sceptical but after a few sessions with Gillian I'm now well and truly won over... it works! I faced my operation in a rational, calm way.”*

J.L., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“I was initially sceptical but after a few sessions with Gillian I'm now well and truly won over... it works! I faced my operation in a rational, calm way.”*

J.L., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“My anxiety (about birds) was exceptionally deep seated but as soon as I met Gillian I knew that we would together successfully conquer it and we did.”*

S.B., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“Gillian's aim is to help you quickly and get you back to a regular routine whilst giving you the confidence to help yourself in the future. I would recommend her services to anyone suffering with anxiety of any kind.”*

S.J., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“Gillian made me feel very relaxed and helped me build self confidence and reduce my anxiety. I have even managed to stop biting my nails after 25 years!”*

M.W., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“Gillian has helped me through a very hard time in my life with stress and anxiety. She always made me feel so comfortable and relaxed and I would always come away feeling so much better. If you are struggling in any way with stress or anxiety do not hesitate to contact Gillian, she is a wonderful lady!”*

L.S., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“I would recommend Gillian to anyone that suffers with any sort of anxiety! I had my doubts about trying this out to begin with, but all I literally needed was 5 sessions with Gillian, and now my anxiety has just gone? Definitely one of the best things I have ever done. It feels like a weight off my shoulders! ”*

G.M., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“I would like to thank you immensely for the help you have given me, I am very grateful. Throughout the sessions, I could see how determined you were to reach our goal and overcome all the panic attacks and anxieties that you even offered to give me a session at no cost. Wow! I felt so comfortable with you, it seemed as if I had known you for years.”*

C.O., NW London

Behavioural Freedom

“Just to say a huge thank you for today. Ed is feeling very optimistic. He felt extremely comfortable with you and feels he can work with you to crack this.”*

B.T., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“Thank you so much for everything. Words will never describe how grateful I am.”*

B.P., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“Thank you so much for your help. From our first consultation I felt comfortable and at ease with you and knew that you were the right person to help me. My issues around social anxiety reduced following our first hypnotherapy session - I wasn't expecting to notice any difference so early and was very happy.”*

J.Y., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

“I touch the feet of this lady, Gillian, for giving my life back. Agoraphobia, anxiety, scared of even doing small things (you can name anything) had made my life miserable. Gillian just wants people to go back to the life that they had before they had the fear and anxiety and be happy.”*

M.K., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''My son's dental fear was so intense and deep rooted even the dentist hadn't seen it in a child before. He totally trusted Gillian and after only a few sessions he had an injection and a filling. We can't thank Gillian enough''*

B.T., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''Gillian’s methods and personality made me feel at ease from the first minute, and I can’t thank her enough for helping me to get back on track. I feel like I have a new lease of life''*

N.A., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''Gillian is very personable and made me feel at ease from the first session. I felt calmer in myself each time I attended a session and my anxiety is greatly reduced. Thanks again for everything!''*

E.B., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''I'd highly recommend Gillian. She made me feel relaxed from our very first conversation and I really enjoyed our sessions. Most importantly, it works!''*

''I was in a very dark place when I met Gillian. This experience has been truly life changing for me. Thank you so much.''*

K.G., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''From our first consultation, I knew Gillian would be able to help me. She was patient about helping me to relax and very passionate about what she does. It's amazing how much you can change in a matter of weeks. Thank you for helping me through my difficult time.''*

P.W., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''I would highly recommend Gillian Wingard for her therapy work on my teenage son. She was exceptionally thorough going to lengths to find out the possible root causes of his anxiety. She expertly made my son feel relaxed, comfortable & happy. Her approach was friendly and reassuring during the weeks it took. Always with a progress update. She was easy to confide in and her work has totally transformed my son's life at a very challenging time for him. I cannot speak highly enough and am so grateful. We are in huge admiration of her.''*

A.S., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''I decided to try hypnotherapy as an alternative to medication for the panic and anxiety I had experienced for over a year of severe blushing and as a result a lack of confidence which was not me. I found Gillian and not only did I learn to relax and learn how to experience deep calmness but also gained more of my self confidence back and felt strong enough to consciously lessen the panic and rationalise my thoughts. Through the sessions Gillian was not only extremely supportive, but fun, kind and helped me completely change my outlook. Thank you Gillian''*

S.B., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''Gillian has worked nothing short of miracles in helping me overcome my anxiety. She understands how anxiety 'feels' and as such has a deep understanding of the problems it causes. She is able to help resolve this quickly and effectively.''*

C.G., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''Thank you Gillian for all your support with my anxiety, since having treatment I feel so much more confident, relaxed and at ease in the workplace. All the issues I was having before are no longer a problem. I would definitely recommend this course of treatment to anyone experiencing anxiety it really does work!''*

H.E., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''Gillian was highly recommended to me, hence I made a decision to
tackle my anxiety issues with her. I found Gillian very easy going and very professional. She helped me
enormously to the point that I am now starting a new job as I am able to face the challenges it may bring without anxiety!''*

R.B., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''I found working with Gillian a really positive experience. She understood my issues right from the beginning and helped me work towards resolving them. I am really grateful and glad that I went to see her and would highly recommend her to anybody''*

S.R., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''As a parent I saw my bright, chatty, confident daughter dissolve into a nervous distraught girl caused by school bullying. A friend recommended Gillian who transformed my daughter back to her former self. Sometimes as a parent you need a little help to resolve some of life's family issues and would recommend Gillian who helped all the family get back to normal after my daughters terrible experiences.''*

E.R., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''My work with Gillian transformed me from someone feeling very low and desperate to a happy person enjoying life again without debilitating anxiety''*

S.M., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''I went to see Gillian for my year long problem with insomnia, she was extremely understanding and very easy to talk to. I had about 5-6 sessions and I’ve hardly had any trouble sleeping since! I would like to say a huge thank you and I would definitely recommend her to anyone with similar problem''*

O.R., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''Having never had any form of anxiety in the past, it was a shock to find myself turning down work and being difficult with my family. Gillian helped me become me again... and for that I am immensely grateful!''*

D.P., Hertfordshire

Behavioural Freedom

''The difference that Gillian and CBH has made in my life has been mind blowing. I could never have imagined the results I have experienced. Anxiety is no longer ruling my life, and for the first time in years I am happy and comfortable with who I am. Thank you so much!''*

I’m Gillian Wingard. For 25 years I worked in the fast-paced, continually-changing corporate world and I witnessed first-hand how stress and anxiety in such a pressure-cooker environment affects people at all levels…

What is stress & anxiety?

You aren’t born with a predisposition to stress and anxiety. It’s learned and with anything that you learn to do in a particularly way, you can just as easily learn to do it another way. That’s where Behavioural Freedom comes in. I can free you from these unwanted behaviours...

Stress in the workplace

Stress at work is very common. There are a whole host of reasons why you may feel out of control or stressed at work. Behavioural Freedom will work closely with you to give you a new lease of life that will make you look at going into work in a whole new light...

“Temperamentally anxious people can have a hard time staying motivated because their intense focus on their worries distracts them from their goals.”

Winifred Gallagher

I am also an Anxiety UK Approved Therapist providing therapeutic support to the charity’s members and partner beneficiaries. I am subject to Anxiety UK’s regular monitoring of my professional qualifications, supervision, continual professional development, insurance and professional body membership in addition to complying with the ethical framework and professional standards set down by my registered governing body. Full details of the Anxiety UK Approved Therapist scheme can be found here www.anxietyuk.org.uk/getinvolved/therapists-at-anxiety-ukDetails about becoming a member of Anxiety UK to be able to access therapy via the charity can be found here www.anxietyuk.org.uk/membership